Given the impact that adolescent births and sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have on individuals and society at large, it is important for adolescents to be given the knowledge, skills, and motivation to make healthy decisions. Previous research has shown that positive youth development (PYD) is effective for reducing teen pregnancy and STIs.¹ PYD programs aim to provide adolescents with knowledge and skills to make healthy decisions and develop their natural strengths, teaching them that a hopeful future can result from good choices. Connectedness or "bonding"- i.e., stronger relationships between adolescents and their parents, peers, schools, and community groups- has been identified as one of the key elements in PYD programs. However, it is not completely understood how these different types of connectedness affect risky sexual behavior among youth.

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